The mart trade is continuing to be very variable, with some marts reporting a slightly improved trade for stores, while others are reporting a steady trade.

MartWatch data shows average prices for heavy bullocks to have dropped, but this is mainly a knock-on effect of weaker demand for aged bullocks as farmers and agents continue to have difficulty getting these cattle killed with factories focusing on slaughtering in-spec cattle.

The difficulties in getting cattle killed are also affecting the store trade as many farmers in the west have aged and finished cattle in sheds with no current capacity to source lighter stores until they get sheds emptied.

While heifer prices are steadier than the equivalent bullock, they are only marginally ahead on a price per kilo basis.

The majority of demand at sales is for the better-quality cattle, with plain cattle and dairy-cross cattle being met with weak demand.

The weanling trade continues to be steady where good-quality types are on offer, but heavy bulls and plainer-quality weanlings are still a hard sell.

Steers

Overage cattle are being met with weaker prices. Bullocks over 600kg have seen average prices weaken by up to 10c/kg in some areas, but this is a reflection in the type of stock on offer. Forward stores from 500kg to 600kg are selling for about €1.90/kg in most parts, with better-quality continentals making over €2.10/kg.

Farmers with capacity are sourcing stores, with those from 400kg to 500kg selling mainly from €2.00/kg to €2.10/kg for average R grades in strong suckler areas.

Where Angus and Herefords are on offer, prices of €1.60/kg to €1.80/kg are common.

Heifers

The heifer trade is stronger than that of bullocks right across the country, but this is mainly due to less dairy influence.

Overage heavy heifers are a difficult trade, as are plain-quality types. Heifers from 500kg to 600kg are selling for just under €1.90/kg for average R grades.

U grades are selling to over €2.15/kg at some sales.

Heifers from 400kg to 500kg are selling for €1.90/kg on average, with Angus and Herefords selling from €1.50/kg to €1.70/kg in most parts of the south.

U grade continentals are selling for over €2.30/kg.

Weanlings

The weanling trade is steady but there has been an increase in the number of dairy-cross calves on offer, particularly in the south.

In suckler areas, average-quality bulls from 300kg to 400kg are selling from €2.10/kg to €2.30/kg, with U grades making from €2.40/kg to €2.60/kg.

Bulls over 400kg are a poor trade, with prices averaging around €2.00/kg for continentals with Angus making from €1.60/kg upwards.

Good-quality weanling heifers are a stronger trade than bulls. The average 350kg heifer is making €2.05/kg. Top-quality are types selling for over €2.40/kg.

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